Russia is intensifying its military presence in the Arctic, organizing drills in Chukotka that simulate challenges its forces might face during an attack on Alaska.
A Sphere of Influence
These exercises come amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly as the Kremlin views the Arctic as its sphere of influence.
During the recent maneuvers, a Ropucha-class landing ship transported a Marine unit to the northern coast of the Chukchi Peninsula, according to WP.
The troops then traversed approximately 186 miles (300 kilometers) through difficult terrain, reaching the Pacific coast. The drills aimed not only at survival in harsh Arctic conditions but also at executing combat missions, such as overcoming enemy positions and neutralizing reconnaissance groups.
Extracted by Landing Ship
The goal of these exercises was to prepare Russian Marines for potential sabotage operations rather than outright territorial conquest. Following the completion of the maneuvers, the troops were extracted by the landing ship, showcasing a well-orchestrated operation.
However, the drills have been accompanied by concerns over misinformation. According to Defence 24, Russian sources claimed that soldiers utilized standard all-terrain vehicles during the exercises.
Yet, images released showed a different piece of equipment: the 2S39 Magnolia self-propelled mortar, which is less suited for traversing loose, fresh snow — a condition prevalent during the drills. This discrepancy raises questions about the actual capabilities of the equipment used.
Experts suggest that while the 2S39 Magnolia can operate in extremely low temperatures, it struggles in the challenging snowy conditions encountered during the exercises. This limitation highlights the difficulties faced by the Russian military in effectively deploying their advanced systems in Arctic terrains, crucial for any future operations in similar environments.
